Acceleration Problems

[chito31]

I have some acceleration issues with my 90 EX. It happens when I'm stoped (say at a red light) and then accelerate. The response is really slow and weak, and then after about 2 seconds, it seems to kick in all of a sudden. This really suks when I'm about to get on a highway or up an incline when I need quick acceleration. Other than that, the engine seems to run well, especially at higher speeds and RPMs. A mechanic friend told me it could be a sensor, but a CEL is not on. I'm also about to change my transmission fluid too. Any advice??

[halfros honda]

when's the last time u had a tune-up? or it could be the throttle position sensor or maybe u have slack in ur throttle cable. just a few ideas to check or consider.

[92BLACKEX]

haha you sure your engine isnt v-tech? or did someone put in a B-16 cuz it only does have 111lbs of tourqe.......haha

[92BLACKEX]

Your fuel pump could be going, my friend said he notice a huge loss in power at low end sometimes cuz your not getting any fuel.

[Asiandude03]

What kind of tranismission do you have a manual or auto?

[chito31]

I have an automatic transmission.

[Asiandude03]

When is the last time you change your oil on your transmission? Also I had the same problem of being sluggest. But when I change my tranny oil it free up my tranny. My oil was very black and was getting to be broken down.

[92BLACKEX]

Check the your engine oil, you might not have that much oil in your engine, that will cause it to do that. And check for leaks, you may have leaks which could cause low oil pressure.

[chito31]

Further information on my problem. ..

I've noticed the problem is worse after the car is warmed up. RPMs go up but the car doesn't move, then it kicks in. Yesterday, I noticed the temp rose a tad (not all the way, just a bit higher than normal). Cooling fan still works and the waterpump was changed recently. Any further ideas.... I've heard basically everything. Would the main relay possibly have anything to do with this???

[dwf137]

The main relay should only affect you when trying to start up the car, or if your engine randomly shuts off on you when sitting still in the heat. Thats a real simple part to put in though, and I highly reccomend anyone with a 4th gen accord switch to a new one!!! it sucks getting stuck in the summertime for 15 mins letting the main relay cool down. I can help anyone out with pics if they need it. I dont have any currently, but I am willing to take some to assist someone. Definalty look into getting a tune up, the plugs could be going bad or be gapped wrong, also the distributor cap could be going bad. Fuel lines or pump could be going bad, but i HIGHLY doubt it. Make sure all of your fluids are up to date, including engine oil, tansmission fluid and coolant!!! One thing that could be causing it, is your air conditioner working? Mine somehow fried and was causing alot of stress on the engine with the way it broke, but it also was making a crazy noise, sounding like a belt was loose, but it wasnt. Since the problem isnt happening till your engine is warm, it could be an ignition problem. I had a similar problem, with a real easy fix. There is a plug that goes into the engine cover, (where the "H" sign is) it plugs in just about to the center of that cover. The plug is connected to the PGMFI and its pretty much a straight hose to the cover. I needed to clean out the little plug, I just pulled it, cleaned it and put it back in, presto, problem fixed! if its anything other than that, i'd say get a tune up and if the shop sees anything else wrong, they'll fix it.

[dwf137]

Another thing, the ignition coil could be going bad! if you have a 90-91 accord the ignition coil is located inside of the distributor, and I have replaced mine. Its about 25 bucks and generaly lasts around 200k miles, but will go. Alot of shops will suggust a new distributor as opposed to just the ignition coil, I can also take some pics of that installation if necessary as well! if this is the problem, you might go to start the car in the short future and find that it turns, but wont actually start. My course of action would be to first check that plug. if that dosnt make a difference, check out the distributor cap and rotor, if that doesnt work, go for the ignition coil. If that dosnt work then go get a tune up, and mention to the shop the probelms your having. they might be able to give you some extra advice. as far as the engine getting hot, you can always drain the coolant and fill it back up. I suggust a 60:40 water:antifreeze ratio, I've found that keeps the enigne very cool in the summer, and wont let it get too cold in the winter either. Definatly change the oil and oil filter, and you can get the tranny fluid changed too, but that one isnt quite as easy. I've never done it, so i cant assist you that much.